There's just something about old buildings -- something special that transports you to a different era, a different time in history, a different way of living.

Facade of Benjamin S. Andrada Building

On a blog entry about a random photowalk around Iligan City, I mentioned that the second floor of Benjamin B. Andrada Building is actually a museum, and I sort of promised to share what's inside this interesting structure.

When we passed by this area, we wanted to see what's inside. Our curiosity led us to a nearby office along Badelles St. and managed to actually schedule another visit to look around.

This pre-war ancestral home was built by the couple Capt. Benjamin B. Andrada and Mrs. Concepcion Lluch-Andrada. It has been converted into a private museum, showcasing mementos and collections of the family.

Staircase on the left side of the building

A wooden staircase on the side of the building leads to the area with snippets of the past.

One of the most prominent features of this house turned museum are the decorative stained-glass windows. The intricate patterns are the silent witnesses of the past.

Looking through the items in the museum, one could take a glimpse of the life of the Andrada family.

Their personal belongings show that they were stylish, classy, elegant -- true marks of alta sociedad.

They celebrated a lot, too! With cakes! (Oops. Sorry, got too excited with the mention of cakes.) There were jars and jars containing portions of the cake -- each carefully labeled.

It also seems they are devout Catholics, with a collection of religious pieces, crucifixes, and rosaries, among others.

Did I mention there were LOTS of rosaries, statues, and figurines of Jesus, Mary, and saints on display?

And what really interested me most is their apparent love for travel. Looking at the travel mementos they kept, I wondered what the stories behind those souvenir items were. I bet they had wonderful experiences, epic adventures, and great stories to tell.

And then this! These cars caught our eyes on our way out. I wonder where these babies took them, if they enjoyed road trips, and how far and how often they went. So much travel stories!

See? There's really something about old buildings. They may be worn out and maybe abandoned, but they're still incredibly beautiful. More than the appearance, perhaps it's the history embedded through time that makes them so irresistibly exciting and charming ... something you can never take from a building that has been around for a while.

#TravelMindanao: 30 days. 8 provinces. 1 island.

How does that idea sound to you? Ambitious? Crazy? Borderline delusional?

For these 8 travelers, of course not! It's a sound plan. And well, it's the perfect excuse to embark on another epic journey together and explore many places, while working on an advocacy to showcase the best of Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines.

The Conception of #TravelMindanao

The idea of #TravelMindanao started towards the end of Waterfalling Adventure Tour 2.0: #ExperienceIligan hosted by Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. It was just a not-so-serious, out-of-the-blue suggestion of these clingy bunch of travelers to explore the rest of Mindanao. Having had a taste of chasing 7 waterfalls, experiencing an annual festival, and a gastronomic experience in Iligan City for 5 straight days, it left everyone wanting more. Surely, there are a whole lot more gems to discover in this beautiful yet often misunderstood island.

What started as a vague idea casually thrown into the group slowly took shape as the travelers headed home. Eventually, the "joke" had become a somewhat solid plan and had grown into something beyond the travelers behind it. It had become an advocacy to show the world the best of Mindanao and to capture the attention of potential tourists through the use of social media. The project was conceived with an idea of drawing a route that is accessible and an itinerary that is feasible for foreign and domestic travelers.

The Itinerary

The plan was to cover as much area as 30 days would allow, without compromising the total experience -- meaning, we should travel not just for the sake of seeing the places and ticking them off our bucket lists, but get to explore key destinations, taste great food, and have fun. Sounds like a good plan, yes?

Surigao del Norte

#TravelMindanao kicked off at Surigao City, the City of Island Adventures. With the support of the local government of Surigao City, we were able to explore Silop Caves, Day-Asan Floating Village, and Mabua Pebble Beach. And of course, we were treated to a feast every single meal! Thank you to the generosity of City Tourism Office of Surigao City, who accommodated us despite the threats of a super typhoon. More about that later.

Day-Asan Floating Village | Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

Sohoton and Siargao were supposedly included in the Surigao del Norte itinerary, but super typhoon Yolanda had other plans. So after being stranded for 2 more days in Surigao City, we headed off to Cathe Pacific in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. After two days of chasing waves, building sandcastles, and feeling right at home, we were supposed to head off to Lanuza to witness a bunch of shirtless guys a surfing competition. But because of another looming typhoon (Zoraida), we decided to skip Lanuza, Cantilan, Britannia Islands, Laswitan, and Cagwait and head off to Bislig City and spend the night there and then visit Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls the next day.

Hinatuan Enchanted River | Surigao del Sur

Davao del Sur

After days and days of typhoons and the nagging worries of (and for) our loved ones at home, we went to Davao City. We prepared a very open itinerary for this leg of the tour, but we pretty much expected that a staycation would be a welcome treat for all of us. And the perfect place for a staycation in Davao City? Of course, Marco Polo Hotel! The rest of the team then headed to Philippine Eagle Conservation Center, which I had to miss because I had to take care of something else.

Marco Polo Hotel | Davao City

Also, while in Davao City, it would be a sin not to go and try Lachi's Sans Rival Atbp! I have always wondered if all those raving reviews I found online were true, and boy was I wrong to ever wonder. Everything was incredibly yummy, we could all suffer from food coma after that sumptuous dinner.

Davao del Norte

The group also decided to have a short side trip to the Palm City of the Philippines. All thanks to Tagum Tourism Office and City Information Office, we were able to see a lot of the city in one day. We dropped by the City Hall, Provincial Capitol, Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, San Agustin Botanical Park, and their interesting alphabetically arranged cemetery.

Sports and Tourism Complex | Tagum City

After the Davao leg, I had to come home for engagements I couldn't get out of. Here are the spots that I missed and would definitely visit soon:

South Cotabato

The team then proceeded to General Santos City, where they had an overnight stay before heading off to Lake Sebu. If their gorgeous photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, and zipline adventure over a number of waterfalls won't convince you to visit South Cotabato, I don't know what will.

North Cotabato

Bukidnon

I often pass through Bukidnon with the family when we travel to and from Davao City, but there are so much more to explore in this expansive province of Northern Mindanao. I was supposed to meet them back somewhere in Bukidnon, but there were inevitable changes with the plans.

Anyways, the Travel Mindanao team enjoyed the cold at Lorega, Kitaotao, the Summer Capital of Bukidnon; rappelled and swam in Blue Water Cave in Quezon, relaxed at Lake Apo in Valencia City, visited a number of waterfalls and a endured a 6-hour river trek in Impasug-ong. Can you imagine what I missed? Boo!

Blue Water Cave | Quezon, Bukidnon. Photo by Ironwulf En Route

Misamis Oriental

Then I joined the team again in Cagayan de Oro City. We stayed at Tune Hotels. Because they were understandably exhausted, most of the CDO leg was for food trip. Loved the food at Chubs Diner!

And because I needed to be in Davao City, I missed the White Water Rafting adventure!

*The Camiguin leg was rescheduled a couple of weeks later. Only Alex and Lisa went, along with our new friend, Caressa, a self-proclaimed joiner of #TravelMindanao.

The Travelers

Beyond the amazing destinations, mouth-watering food treats, and the adrenaline-pumping adventures, it is always the company of the people you are with that makes a journey more memorable. Hope to see you all soooooon.

We Filipinos observe Holy Week with the same passion as we celebrate Christmas. Holy Week (also known as Semana Santa or Mahal na Araw) starts with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday, with the Thursday and Friday before Easter declared as national holidays.

With Holy Week also falling on a summer, it is the perfect time for families to rest, relax and bond, while still having time to reflect, pray, and participate in the annual traditions.

A couple of years ago, our family did Visita Iglesia on our way to my father's hometown. We stopped at seven churches between Iligan City and Sarangani Province and offer prayers.

Visita Iglesia, also known as The Seven Churches Visitation, is a pious Roman Catholic tradition observed by faithful Christians during Lent by attempting to visit 7 Christian sites or parishes. Customarily observed during Maundy Thursday. [src]

Here are photos of the churches taken during the trip:

1. Divine Mercy Shrine

Ulaliman, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental | This is the first stop of our Visita Iglesia.It is where you can see this 50-foot Divine Mercy Statue, so far the tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world.

2. Benedictine Monastery of the Transfiguration

San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon | This pyramid-like church is designed by the late Leandro Locsin, a Philippine National Artist for Architecture. The monastery is run by the Benedictine Monks. They have a commercial building, where you can also find pasalubong items, including Monk’s Blended Premium Coffee, Peanut Butter, and Roasted Peanuts.

3. St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Church

Buhangin, Davao City | The St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary, also known as Buhangin Shrine, is famous for its string of steps leading up to the St. Mary’s Church. It's a perfect spot for meditation and reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague

Matina, Davao City | Also known as Shrine Hills, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague sits on Matina Hills. It's also an ideal place for worship and meditation.

5. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish

Roxas Avenue, Dadiangas South, General Santos City | Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish is the second oldest church in General Santos City. It sits across what was originally known as Freedom Park, which has since renamed Carlos P. Garcia Park.

6. San Isidro Labrador Parish

Alabel, Sarangani Province | This parish was undergoing renovation when we visited in 2012. A quick scan on their Facebook fan page shows that it now has a modern appearance. It is located in Poblacion, Alabel Sarangani Province, behind the Alabel Central Elementary School.

7. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Parish

Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province | The parish was also under construction when we visited in 2012. This is closest to my paternal grandparents' home. In parishes such as this, it's always fun to observe the people. It's in places like this when everyone knows everybody, and people linger after the mass to chat.

Road tripping with the family across Mindanao and doing Visita Iglesia is indeed a great way to spend Holy Week. You get to spend time with the family; practice this annual tradition and reflect and pray; and you get to see gorgeous views on the road!

What about you? How do you intend to spend Holy Week this year?

We Filipinos observe Holy Week with the same passion as we celebrate Christmas. Holy Week (also known as Semana Santa or Mahal na Araw ) st...